OFFICIAL: Cesar Azpilicueta signs for Atletico Madrid as a free agent

Last summer, Azpilicueta had already been approached by Atletico Madrid, but he ended up extending his contract with Chelsea. However, this summer, Simeone's team made a good move and finally won the race for the Spanish defender. 

Inter Milan seemed to be well on the way to signing the 33-year-old Spaniard, but that was before Madrid came back into the bidding.

Cesar Azpilicueta has been released from his contract by Chelsea and joins Atletico for free. The two sides have decided to terminate the player's contract in order to facilitate his transfer to Spain, which is what his family wanted. Fabrizio Romano recently explained that there is mutual respect between the London club and their legend.

The Spaniard has signed for one year, plus another as an option. However, his salary has not been disclosed.

Last season was the Navarrese's least successful at Chelsea, with 32 appearances and just 19 starts. As he turns 34 in August, he will be keen to make a fresh start at Atletico under a coach who values his versatility.